This Hitohira Imojiya TH nakiri knife features a 175 mm blade made of DSR-1K6 stainless steel, a single-grade steel known for its ease of maintenance and good cutting performance. The blade has a simple, clean polished finish with a classic rectangular profile for cutting vegetables. The octagonal ebony handle provides a stable grip and a natural balance between the blade and the handle.
The nakiri format is ideal for slicing, chopping, and cutting vegetables evenly. Its high blade provides good guidance and pleasant stability on the cutting board. Stainless steel allows for more relaxed use in the kitchen: it is resistant to oxidation and requires less care than carbon steel, while remaining hard enough to maintain a precise edge.
When cutting, this model offers a direct and predictable feel. The thin thickness towards the edge promotes easy penetration into food, while the rigidity of the blade ensures comfortable control when preparing large vegetables. Like any nakiri, it is not intended for tasks requiring brute force or contact with bones.
In terms of maintenance, hand washing with warm water followed by immediate drying is sufficient to preserve the blade. Ebony is a dense wood that ages well, but it is recommended to keep the handle dry and clean to maintain its appearance and comfort of use.
